For such a tiny word, guilt sure packs a powerful punch, and I feel it right in the gut. I know there's no need to feel guilty for skipping my daily barn visit, but even so, the feeling is there. I know it is impossible to visit the barn 365 days a year, and RM is a very capable barn owner who will check on my boys very carefully in the afternoon as will L, our evening feeder. But still ... I feel as though I've done something wrong and I certainly feel as though I've failed my two lonely boys who are no doubt waiting patiently (or un-patiently in Speedy's case) at the gate wondering where on earth I am. How long will they stand there? Probably not very long. Will there be whinnies? No doubta couple of plaintive ones from Speedy G. How will I be greeted upon my return? More than likely the same as always.

So, guilty feelings aside, skipping my barn visit means that ...

several layers of really gross barn gunk have been removed from the interior of my car.

two loads of laundry have swished and swashed though the washer.

the ooey-gooey smudge on the 'fridge has been wiped away.

that phone call to the dentist has been made.

my desk is cleared off.

last month's show ribbons have been hung and the tests have been placed in "the book".

I took a relaxing soak in the tub.

the bathroom is ready for today's assault.

dinner was made without the usual frantic rush to get it finished.

my dining room table can actually be used for dining.

Was it worth it? Speedy, Sydney, and I don't think so, but hubby was no doubt grateful. And really, visiting the barn only 364 days a year isn't all that bad. Here's to happy hubbies!

Leave a Reply.

About the Writer & Rider

I am a lifetime rider. I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.​Welcome to my dressage journey.

About Speedy G

Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse and occasional trail horse. He is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.

July 2017 - Photo by Sue Dockweiler

About Izzy

Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are schooling the dressage basics. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand Zweibrücker gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.